The principal at Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary School sent a letter to teachers and other workers Friday asking them to notify the office if they became sick.

Albuquerque Public Schools sent a letter to parents Wednesday informing them about the outbreak.

“That’s really scary,” said grandmother Virginia Barkhurst.

Parents and loved ones were wondering if students were at risk.

“It makes me want to keep my grandkids out of school until I get some further information,” Barkhurst said.

The Department of Health said the virus has likely affected children, but they don’t know how many. The confirmed cases are in teachers.

Dr. Barry Ramo said the virus, which causes diarrhea and vomiting, is highly contagious.

“It’s not spread by the air,” Ramo said. “It’s spread by touching.”

APS officials said workers disinfected the school on Monday. The Department of Health did not recommend officials shut down the school because the school has done everything it should to minimize risk.

However, state officials said exposure to norovirus is still possible.

Ramo said children need to wash their hands and not share food.

Parent Ruby Gurule was not alarmed by the outbreak.

“We just told him to wash his hands all the time and not to touch his face,” Gurule said.

APS officials said children who develop symptoms should stay home from school. Teachers will work with students on any missed coursework.